Overview:
Diospyros sandwicensis (A. DC.) Fosberg var. frameata St. John is a small tree endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It is commonly known as Lama and was historically used by native Hawaiians for its many medicinal properties. Today, it is prized for its wood, which is highly valued for its fine-grain, durability, and beauty.Origin:
Diospyros sandwicensis (A. DC.) Fosberg var. frameata St. John is found only in the Hawaiian Islands, where it is native and endemic. The word "Lama" is derived from the Polynesian language, and the tree has been a part of Hawaiian culture for centuries.Common Names:
Lama is the most common name for Diospyros sandwicensis (A. DC.) Fosberg var. frameata St. John. Other names for the tree include Lapa, Haole Koa, and Hawaiian Ebony, owing to the tree's dark wood.General Appearance:
Lama is a small evergreen tree that grows up to 40 feet tall. It has a round crown and a straight trunk that can range from 16-30 inches in diameter. The leaves are glossy and oblong, and the fruit is small, green, and orange when ripe. The wood of the tree is dark, heavy, and fine-grained, making it highly prized for furniture making, turning, and carving.Uses:
Lama has a long history of use by native Hawaiians for medicinal purposes. The bark of the tree was used to make a tea that was believed to cure stomach ailments, and the leaves were crushed and rubbed on the skin to treat wounds and skin irritations. Today, the wood of the tree is highly prized and is used in fine furniture making, turning, and carving. It is also used to make musical instruments, including ukuleles and guitars. The small size of the tree and the rarity of its wood make it a valuable and sought-after material.Light Requirements
Diospyros sandwicensis (A. DC.) Fosberg var. frameata St. John requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It is typically found growing in open forests, grasslands, and along roadsides where it can receive direct sunlight for at least a few hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. In its native range in Hawaii, it grows at elevations of 0-4,000 feet where temperatures are consistently mild. It is best to keep this plant in a warm and humid environment, with an average temperature between 70-85°F.
Soil Requirements
Well-draining soil is crucial for Diospyros sandwicensis (A. DC.) Fosberg var. frameata St. John growth. It thrives in nutrient-rich soils that are slightly acidic with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Sandy or loamy soils are preferred, and the plant can tolerate dry soil conditions once established. It is important to avoid planting this species in heavy clay soils, as it can lead to poor drainage and root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Diospyros sandwicensis (A. DC.) Fosberg var. frameata St. John, commonly known as Hawaiian ebony, is a slow-growing evergreen tree that is endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. To cultivate this plant, it should be grown in well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun conditions. It can be propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Watering Needs
Proper hydration is crucial in the cultivation of Hawaiian ebony. The plant prefers moist soil, but it is essential not to overwater it, which can cause root rot and harm the plant. The tree should be watered regularly, particularly during dry seasons or droughts.
Fertilization
Like most plants, Hawaiian ebony requires nutrients to grow and thrive. A balanced slow-release fertilizer should be applied during the plant's growing season, from spring to fall, to ensure it has the required nutrients for optimal growth. Care should be taken not to over-fertilize to avoid damaging the plant.
Pruning
Regular pruning is recommended to keep the tree's shape and promote vigorous growth. Pruning can be done in the early spring before new growth, and it's important to remove any dead or diseased branches to promote new growth. It's also important to prune away any suckers or water sprouts that appear at the base of the tree. The goal is to maintain a single trunk with a well-balanced canopy.
Propagation of Diospyros sandwicensis var. frameata
Diospyros sandwicensis var. frameata, commonly known as Hawaiian ebony, is a slow-growing tree endemic to Hawaii. Propagation of this plant can be done through seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation through Seeds
Seeds from mature fruits of Diospyros sandwicensis var. frameata can be collected and sown in a well-draining potting mixture containing peat, perlite, and sand. The seeds should be sown immediately as they have a short viability. The pots should be kept in a warm area with filtered light and moist soil until germination occurs, which can take up to six months. Once the seedlings have developed a few true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation through Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is a more reliable and faster method of propagating Diospyros sandwicensis var. frameata. Semi-hardwood cuttings taken during the summer months have the highest success rate. The cuttings should be approximately six inches long and taken from the upper branches of healthy trees. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the remaining leaves should be cut in half to reduce water loss. The cuttings should then be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mixture. The pots should be kept in a warm area with filtered light and moist soil until roots have developed, which can take up to eight weeks. Once the cuttings have established roots, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation through Grafting
Grafting is a method used to propagate Diospyros sandwicensis var. frameata for commercial purposes as it ensures that the desired characteristics of the parent plant are retained in the offspring. The most common method of grafting used for this plant is the cleft grafting method. A scion from the desired variety is taken from the parent plant and grafted onto the rootstock of a closely related species. The grafted plant should be kept in a warm area with filtered light until the graft has healed, which can take up to six weeks. Once the graft has healed, the plant can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
Disease Management
Diospyros sandwicensis (A. DC.) Fosberg var. frameata St. John is relatively resistant to most diseases. However, some common diseases that might affect the plant include:
- Leaf spot: This may be caused by fungal pathogens and can present as circular or irregular spots on the leaves. It may be managed by avoiding overhead watering, practicing crop rotation, and applying fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is characterized by a white powdery growth on the leaves. It can be managed by ensuring adequate air circulation around the plant, avoiding overhead watering, and applying fungicides.
Pest Management
Aside from diseases, Diospyros sandwicensis (A. DC.) Fosberg var. frameata St. John may also be affected by pests. Some common pests that might affect the plant include:
- Aphids: These small sap-sucking insects can cause yellowing and distortion of leaves. They can be managed by practicing good cultural practices, such as removing weeds and reducing nitrogen fertilizer application, applying insecticidal soap or neem oil and using natural predators such as ladybirds.
- Thrips: These tiny insects can cause silvering or bronzing of leaves and distorted growth. They can be managed by keeping the area free of weeds and debris, applying neem oil or insecticidal soap, and using natural predators such as lacewings or mites.
- Mites: These microscopic pests can cause discoloration and distortion of leaves. They can be managed by keeping the area free of weeds and debris, using insecticidal soap, and using natural predators such as ladybirds, lacewings or mites.
